Vinpocetine – Uses, Benefits, Side-Effects & Dosage

More and more people are becoming health conscious, wanting to utilize natural remedies. If you have been looking into natural brain supplements, then you may have already read about Vinpocetine. This supplement is also commonly found within Alzheimer’s medication, as well as nootropics stack like Alpha Brain.

What Is Vinpocetine?

This biosynthetic compound is harvested from Vincamine extract. Both Vinpocetine and Vincamine are found in the vinca minor plant. For years, only Vincamine was being utilized for cognitive purposes. Once labs began to improve, the production of Vinpocetine increased. Although both alkaloids create similar effects, Vinpocetine creates fewer negative side-effects.

Lab work has allowed Vinpocetine to be synthesized, isolating this alkaloid from other alkaloids. It is technically considered to be a natural derivative, because it’s manufactured in a lab. Since this supplement is created in a lab, companies can control the purity of this extract. Due to this increased control, it has made Vinpocetine even safer (in comparison to Vincamine).

While taking Vinpocetine, users can target neurological impairments, by increasing blood flow to their brain. When circulation and blood flow to the brain are improved, you gain both short and long-term benefits. Short-term, Vinpocetine can boost your cognitive abilities. Long-term, it can improve your overall brain health.

Due to these short and long-term effects, Vinpocetine is known as a nootropic and a neuroprotectant. Within Germany, this supplement is actually sold as a prescription medication, known as Cavinton. This medication is used to treat memory loss, age-related mental decline, as well as symptoms of ischemic strokes. Within the United States and all other countries worldwide, this supplement can be taken on its own, or within the stack Alpha Brain.

The Effects of Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, causing blood vessels to dilate, allowing for greater blood flow. Although the cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully known, it is believed that neuroinflammatory responses, cause neurons to die off. This results in cognitive impairments.

While taking Vinpocetine, it’s also believed that this supplement will prevent over-excitation of neurons. If a neuron is continuously over-excited, it could result in neuron death. By creating greater balance regarding Na+ and Ca+ ions, you create less risk of premature neuron death.

Key Benefits of Vinpocetine

As mentioned, Vinpocetine increases blood flow to the brain. This has been supported by numerous studies. This supplement is what’s known as a cerebrovasodilator, because it increases circulation without changing your blood pressure. When blood flow increases, your brain is exposed to high levels of oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells then utilize glucose, oxygen, and other nutrients in order to generate energy.

This increased blood flow, results in higher metabolism, leading to improved cognition and alertness. Another beneficial effect, is Vinpocetine’s ability to remove waste from brain cells. This allows for greater support, increasing neuron growth and maintenance.

In one experiment, stroke patients were assessed. It was found that when patients were given Vinpocetine, they were less impaired than the placebo group. It has also been found that when individuals experience a stroke, if given Vinpocetine immediately after, you can prevent or reverse some brain damage.

In terms of this effect on stroke victims, Vinpocetine can prevent death and disability. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood begins to clot, constricting blood flow to the brain. This type of clot, causes brain cells to die, due to a lack of oxygen. This is why Vinpocetine is so effective, as it reduces clotting. Some studies also suggest that Vinpocetine could potentially reduce one’s risk of a second stroke.

Although these benefits are incredible, Vinpocetine is not limited to individuals who have suffered from medical complications. In fact, many individuals are taking this supplement in order to enhance their memory, while reducing brain fog. For instance, many students are seeking out this supplement, in order to study more effectively.

Vinpocetine’s Side Effects

It is essential that you understand what the potential side-effects are for any supplement you take. While taking Vinpocetine, there are very few side-effects which have been identified at this time. When individuals with Alzheimer’s were treated with fairly high doses (60 mg daily), there were no side-effects reported.

With that being said, there’s a possibility that you may experience headaches, nausea, nervousness, stomach aches, dizziness, and issues sleeping. Although these effects are mild, they are a possibility. These effects are also generally short-term, being resolved in a day or two. If you do have any side-effects that last for longer periods of time, please speak with your doctor regarding advice.

If you take blood thinning medication, you should avoid taking Vinpocetine. This includes agents such as Tylenol and other pain relieving medications. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid Vinpocetine at this time. More research needs to be conducted regarding this sub-population.

If you experience heavier blood clotting, avoid using Vinpocetine. This is because those that have blood clots, increase their risk of bleeding. For this reason, anyone who has undergone surgery, should also avoid use. If you are planning to have surgery, please stop taking Vinpocetine two weeks prior.

Start Experiencing the Benefits of Vinpocetine Today

While taking Vinpocetine, the benefits are extensive. Not only will you enhance cognition, but you improve the health of your brain tissue. For individuals that are healthy, this supplement is considered to be safe, with little risk of complications. Remember, if you have a history of blood clotting, avoid this supplement.

Take Vinpocetine orally each day. If you’re attempting to treat a condition such as Alzheimer’s, it is suggested that you take a dosage of 5-10 mg, three times daily. You can take advantage of these benefits when taking Vinpocetine on its own, or within the popular stack: Alpha Brain.

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